LE MANS MORGAN HEADLINES LINE-UP OF RARE CLASSIC CARS

ONE of 40 limited edition examples built by iconic British manufacturer Morgan will be on display at this weekend’s classic car event in Somerset.

The machine, which was made to celebrate the company’s historic Le Mans win in 1962, is being displayed by Morgan Sports Car Club at the Footman James Bristol Classic Car Show, held at Shepton Mallet’s Royal Bath & West.

Head of the event Andy Kitchen said: “With the show now just days away, our exhibiting clubs are sending through final confirmation of their displays, and what a collection of classics there is in store.

“We’ve been working for several months now to ensure there are a wide variety of attractions for showgoers to enjoy, and the appearance of these rare machines will be the icing on the cake.”

The specially produced Le Mans 62 Plus 8 was commissioned in 2002 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Morgan’s class win at the world famous French races, taking victory ahead of the mighty Ferrari and Porsche works teams.

A total of 80 individually numbered vehicles were hand-built at the Malvern Link factory, 40 of the Plus 8 and 40 of the 4/4 version. Finished in Le Mans 62 racing green, each one has been designed to resemble the original TOK 258 winning car.

As well as the nostalgia-laden Morgan, the show will also welcome the Volvo Enthusiasts Club as it celebrates its 25th year with a packed stand. Last year’s Best Club Stand award winner has its own rare collection including: a Volvo 262C Coupe built in Italy by Bertone; a PV445 Cabrio, of which just six examples survive worldwide from 21 produced; and the original car from the very first episode of The Saint starring Roger Moore.

The club also plans to display an ex-British Touring Car Championship 850 Estate, driven by Rickard Rydell during his 1994 campaign.

Staying with the sporting theme, organiser Mortons Media Group confirmed in April that the Williams Renault used by Nigel Mansell in his dominant title-winning season in 1992, along with two Leyland race-team trucks used by Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart during their own championship successes, will be in attendance.

Alongside the displays, the Charterhouse Auction room will have its own array of stunning vehicles set to go under the hammer. Lots include a 1934 Wolseley Hornet Eustace Watkins Daytona Special Sports, a 1950 Bentley Mk VI and two Jaguar E-Types – a 1965 model and a 1972 Series III.

“This is our first running of the Footman James Bristol Classic Car Show following our acquisition of the event last year. We’re delighted with the packed weekend we’re delivering to vehicle enthusiasts and we’ve certainly set the bar high for 2016,” added Andy.

Tickets can be bought online until Sunday, June 14, which is the event’s second day. Online purchases represent a £2 saving on the gate prices which are £11 for a one day adult ticket and £10 for seniors. For further information visit carsandevents.com, search for Bristol Classic Car Shows on Facebook or follow @BCCSevents on Twitter.